Georgia Bulldogs: USF Bulls
BUFORD, Ga. -- The Atlanta Nike Football Training Camp is always loaded with the region’s top juniors looking to earn an invitation to The Opening and learn from the professional instructors there. This year the Atlanta NFTC had over 300 prospects from 20 different states in attendance. A number of sophomores also attended, wanting not only the instruction, but to try their hand against the older players.
This year five freshmen were also invited to attend. Two of them, cornerback Khalil Ladler (Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson) and defensive tackle Antwuan Jackson Jr. (Ellenwood, Ga./Cedar Grove), made strong impressions on the instructors there.
Ladler stunned former NFL Pro Bowl cornerback Ray Buchanan, who was there coaching the defensive backs.
This year five freshmen were also invited to attend. Two of them, cornerback Khalil Ladler (Stone Mountain, Ga./Stephenson) and defensive tackle Antwuan Jackson Jr. (Ellenwood, Ga./Cedar Grove), made strong impressions on the instructors there.
Ladler stunned former NFL Pro Bowl cornerback Ray Buchanan, who was there coaching the defensive backs.
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Tales From the Road spotlights players who stand out to RecruitingNation writers at camps, combines and various events. Here is a look at a few Georgia quarterbacks who recently performed at a high level:
QB Deshaun Watson
Vital stats: 2014 / Gainesville (Ga.) High School / 6-foot-3, 186 pounds
QB Deshaun Watson
Vital stats: 2014 / Gainesville (Ga.) High School / 6-foot-3, 186 pounds
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QB Harris determined to reach Elite 11 
April, 15, 2013
Apr 15
11:46
AM ET
By
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
BUFORD, Ga. -- ESPN Watch List quarterback Tyler Harris (Blackshear, Ga./Pierce County) competed in the Elite 11 Atlanta regional on Saturday, showing his trademark velocity despite the windy conditions. Toward the end of the camp he was placed in the second group, but after hitting the mark on some tough throws, Harris was promoted to the first group, which contained the day’s top performers.
Despite outperforming more than 50 other quarterbacks and making the final group, Harris will not rest until he picks up an invitation to the Elite 11 competition.
Despite outperforming more than 50 other quarterbacks and making the final group, Harris will not rest until he picks up an invitation to the Elite 11 competition.
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Editor's note: Finding the Future is a RecruitingNation feature that will appear throughout camps and combine season, ranking prospects strictly on their on-field performance at the particular event. It does not reflect where each will land when the class is ranked by ESPN.
BUFORD, Ga. -- The NFTC was loaded with top upperclassmen prospects on Sunday, but a handful of 2015 prospects showed they could compete with some of the top older competition in the state.
1. 2016 CB Khalil Ladler
5-foot-11, 175 pounds
Stephenson (Ga.) H.S.
Considering: Has offers from Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida State, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, Charlotte, South Florida and Cincinnati
What we learned: Ladler could pass for a rising senior, which is why the offers are rolling in for the young freshman. His position coaches were stunned to find out that he was two years younger than most of the other defensive backs at the NFTC. Also, it is not just his size that commands attention. Ladler displayed refined techniques that prospects work for years to develop.
“Ladler is promising," ESPN national recruiting analyst Craig Haubert said. "Look at his frame: he is long and lengthy. He is very smooth. In a cornerback group that had some good 2014 guys, he was in that next level of guys jumping out. He has all of the natural tools, and with that type of size already, as well as being quick and smooth, he is certainly a guy to watch. From what I saw he was one of the better secondary players here.”
BUFORD, Ga. -- The NFTC was loaded with top upperclassmen prospects on Sunday, but a handful of 2015 prospects showed they could compete with some of the top older competition in the state.
1. 2016 CB Khalil Ladler
5-foot-11, 175 pounds
Stephenson (Ga.) H.S.
Considering: Has offers from Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida State, Vanderbilt, Virginia Tech, Charlotte, South Florida and Cincinnati
What we learned: Ladler could pass for a rising senior, which is why the offers are rolling in for the young freshman. His position coaches were stunned to find out that he was two years younger than most of the other defensive backs at the NFTC. Also, it is not just his size that commands attention. Ladler displayed refined techniques that prospects work for years to develop.
“Ladler is promising," ESPN national recruiting analyst Craig Haubert said. "Look at his frame: he is long and lengthy. He is very smooth. In a cornerback group that had some good 2014 guys, he was in that next level of guys jumping out. He has all of the natural tools, and with that type of size already, as well as being quick and smooth, he is certainly a guy to watch. From what I saw he was one of the better secondary players here.”
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Georgia offers Watch List wide receiver
April, 12, 2013
Apr 12
10:00
AM ET
By
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
ATHENS, Ga. -- Despite missing half of his junior season, ESPN Watch List wide receiver Jake McCrary (Miami/Coral Reef) is close to having 20 offers. Earlier this week he picked up No. 16 from UCF and then on Wednesday, the University of Georgia offered.
What are the coaches at all these schools seeing in his injury-shortened highlight reel? The answer is production. After missing five games with a strained ACL and PCL, McCrary scored seven touchdowns on just 13 catches. He also had 311 receiving yards, an average of 24 yards per catch. To top it off, McCrary returned four punts for touchdowns and three interceptions on defense.
“I talked to Tony Ball today and he let me know that Georgia was going to offer me and that he would love for me to come up and get to see the facilities,” McCrary said. “That was very exciting for me because Georgia is a great team that throws the ball a lot to be in the SEC. That is a great thing.”
What are the coaches at all these schools seeing in his injury-shortened highlight reel? The answer is production. After missing five games with a strained ACL and PCL, McCrary scored seven touchdowns on just 13 catches. He also had 311 receiving yards, an average of 24 yards per catch. To top it off, McCrary returned four punts for touchdowns and three interceptions on defense.
“I talked to Tony Ball today and he let me know that Georgia was going to offer me and that he would love for me to come up and get to see the facilities,” McCrary said. “That was very exciting for me because Georgia is a great team that throws the ball a lot to be in the SEC. That is a great thing.”
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ESPN Watch List defensive end Keyon Brown of Wauchula, Fla., knows which play helped put him on the radar of a major college programs. The fourth game of his junior year involved his Hardee Wildcats in a close game against the Sebring Blue Streaks.
“We were playing Sebring, and they threw a screen to the wide receiver,” Brown said. “I had gone in to try to get the quarterback, but he had already thrown it, so I went after the receiver over by the sideline. He was trying to shake somebody, I guess, but he cut back inside, and I was headed out, so I hit him hard and he fumbled. It was a big hit. Everybody just went crazy and started yelling. We recovered it; the receiver was hurt on that play.”
Hustle like that earned Brown double digit scholarship offers, with the latest one coming from Florida State.
“We were playing Sebring, and they threw a screen to the wide receiver,” Brown said. “I had gone in to try to get the quarterback, but he had already thrown it, so I went after the receiver over by the sideline. He was trying to shake somebody, I guess, but he cut back inside, and I was headed out, so I hit him hard and he fumbled. It was a big hit. Everybody just went crazy and started yelling. We recovered it; the receiver was hurt on that play.”
Hustle like that earned Brown double digit scholarship offers, with the latest one coming from Florida State.
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ATHENS, Ga. -- Outside linebacker Jacob Pugh (Tallahassee, Fla./Godby) isn’t exactly sure of how many offers he has. The 6-foot-3, 220-pound junior has not counted them. Once he had received over 30 offers to the top programs in the nation, there really seemed no point in doing so. Pugh is more concerned about the five that he has on top.
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ESPN 300 OT Seymour talks signing day
January, 28, 2013
Jan 28
1:06
PM ET
By
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
SUWANEE, Ga. -- ESPN 300 offensive tackle DeVondre Seymour does not give a lot of interviews. He doesn’t see the need for it and if he answered the phone for everyone that called, he would lose valuable study time. After transferring from South Carolina and subsequently getting behind academically, that study time is at an even higher premium as signing day approaches.
Seymour did take a few minutes out of his day to speak with DawgNation recently and outlined what his plans were for signing day.
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Florida State offered one of the top junior prospects in the state for the Class of 2014 in T.J. Harrell (Tampa, Fla./Tampa Catholic) on Tuesday. Head coach Jimbo Fisher and wide receivers coach Lawrence Dawsey were the bearers of good news for the 6-foot-1, 205-pound linebacker.
So what did Harrell think about the offer?
"It was great," he said. "I know that Jimbo Fisher and Lawrence Dawsey were by today. It was really exciting."
So what did Harrell think about the offer?
"It was great," he said. "I know that Jimbo Fisher and Lawrence Dawsey were by today. It was really exciting."
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- George Campbell (Tarpon Springs, Fla./East Lake) has the luxury of experience, even if it is not his own.
The 6-foot-5, 200-pound sophomore athlete is leaning on his 2014 teammates offensive lineman Mason Cole and wide receiver Artavis Scott for advice. And while those two are still just juniors, they have been well exposed to the recruiting process already.
"Experiencing this with Mason Cole and Artavis Scott has helped me a lot," said Campbell. "They are helping me figure this out a lot."
The 6-foot-5, 200-pound sophomore athlete is leaning on his 2014 teammates offensive lineman Mason Cole and wide receiver Artavis Scott for advice. And while those two are still just juniors, they have been well exposed to the recruiting process already.
"Experiencing this with Mason Cole and Artavis Scott has helped me a lot," said Campbell. "They are helping me figure this out a lot."
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ATLANTA -- While running back Treyvon Paulk (Milton, Ga./Milton) has double-digit offers from which to choose, the 5-foot-8, 190-pound junior would still like to hear from at least one more program.
“Clemson is recruiting me hard and the Oklahoma State running backs coach came to see me,” Paulk said. “Miami came by to see me as well. But I would definitely like to hear from the Georgia Bulldogs. I was a big fan of them growing up. My whole family watches Georgia.”
Paulk has offers from Tennessee, Ole Miss, Wake Forest, North Carolina, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, TCU, Maryland, Eastern Kentucky, East Carolina, Appalachian State and USF so far. He says an offer from the Georgia staff would not automatically make the Bulldogs No. 1 on his list, but they would jump to his short list.
“Clemson is recruiting me hard and the Oklahoma State running backs coach came to see me,” Paulk said. “Miami came by to see me as well. But I would definitely like to hear from the Georgia Bulldogs. I was a big fan of them growing up. My whole family watches Georgia.”
Paulk has offers from Tennessee, Ole Miss, Wake Forest, North Carolina, Vanderbilt, Kentucky, TCU, Maryland, Eastern Kentucky, East Carolina, Appalachian State and USF so far. He says an offer from the Georgia staff would not automatically make the Bulldogs No. 1 on his list, but they would jump to his short list.
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Krenwick Sanders commits to Georgia
November, 29, 2012
11/29/12
9:24
PM ET
By
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
Georgia picked up a commitment from Class of 2014 wide receiver Krenwick Sanders (Jesup, Ga./Wayne County) on Thursday evening according to his high school coach Jody Grooms. The 6-foot-2, 185-pound junior picked the Bulldogs over South Florida, North Carolina and Vanderbilt. He was also hearing from Notre Dame, N.C. State, Washington and LSU.
Sanders confirmed the commitment shortly after. When asked if he had committed to Georgia, the notoriously reserved Sanders replied, “Yes I did,” He expounded later in a text message.
“I grew up liking Georgia and I have been thinking about committing since they offered," Sanders said. "So I decided I might as well go ahead and do it.“
Sanders' teammate, defensive tackle Jeremy Patterson, also confirmed Sanders' commitment to the Bulldogs.
Sanders visited Georgia to watch the Bulldogs host Tennessee. He left with Georgia high on his list.
“Georgia stands out to me right now,” Sanders said at the conclusion of his visit. “I talked to Coach [Tony] Ball. He told me really watch the game. I watched the whole field. I liked looking at the facilities and all that. We went into the weight room and that was really nice. I talked to Raekwon [McMillan] (Hinesville, Ga./Liberty County). We talk when we see each other. We didn’t talk about where we were going. But I had a good time. I have always liked Georgia, I don’t know why. They were one of my favorites, them and Alabama.”
Sanders started as a freshman and a sophomore, racking up a combined over 900 yards and 12 touchdowns for those the seasons.
Sanders confirmed the commitment shortly after. When asked if he had committed to Georgia, the notoriously reserved Sanders replied, “Yes I did,” He expounded later in a text message.
“I grew up liking Georgia and I have been thinking about committing since they offered," Sanders said. "So I decided I might as well go ahead and do it.“
Sanders' teammate, defensive tackle Jeremy Patterson, also confirmed Sanders' commitment to the Bulldogs.
Sanders visited Georgia to watch the Bulldogs host Tennessee. He left with Georgia high on his list.
“Georgia stands out to me right now,” Sanders said at the conclusion of his visit. “I talked to Coach [Tony] Ball. He told me really watch the game. I watched the whole field. I liked looking at the facilities and all that. We went into the weight room and that was really nice. I talked to Raekwon [McMillan] (Hinesville, Ga./Liberty County). We talk when we see each other. We didn’t talk about where we were going. But I had a good time. I have always liked Georgia, I don’t know why. They were one of my favorites, them and Alabama.”
Sanders started as a freshman and a sophomore, racking up a combined over 900 yards and 12 touchdowns for those the seasons.
DB Kennar Johnson to take in Athens
November, 19, 2012
11/19/12
3:01
PM ET
By
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
The Georgia recruiting class for 2013 already has 27 commitments, so the remaining spots are at a premium.
The only way the Bulldogs can sign all their targets is to make use of the early enrollee spaces available in January. One official visitor to Athens, Ga., this weekend might take one of those spots as junior college defensive back Kennar Johnson (Miami, Fla./Mississippi Gulf Coast) is slated to graduate in December.
“I will be visiting on Friday,” Johnson said. “I am going to sit down with the coaches and see where we are at. I want to enjoy the game. It is going to be a rivalry game with Georgia Tech so I will get a chance to see that.”
The only way the Bulldogs can sign all their targets is to make use of the early enrollee spaces available in January. One official visitor to Athens, Ga., this weekend might take one of those spots as junior college defensive back Kennar Johnson (Miami, Fla./Mississippi Gulf Coast) is slated to graduate in December.
“I will be visiting on Friday,” Johnson said. “I am going to sit down with the coaches and see where we are at. I want to enjoy the game. It is going to be a rivalry game with Georgia Tech so I will get a chance to see that.”
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More offers roll in for Krenwick Sanders
October, 1, 2012
10/01/12
12:45
PM ET
By
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
Wide receiver Krenwick Sanders (Jesup, Ga./Wayne County) was flying under the radar when he received a scholarship offer from the Georgia coaching staff in March. Or at least Mark Richt and company were hoping that he was. But interest in the 6-foot-2, 185-pound junior has increased, as has his offer list.
“I have offers from Georgia, South Florida, North Carolina and Vanderbilt,” Sanders said. “Coach Richt gave me the Georgia offer last year. He told me that he wanted to offer me a scholarship and told me to keep working and to get better.”
More offers are likely on the way as Sanders took Richt’s advice to heart. The tall wideout says he has improved his route-running and has caught four touchdowns so far this year.
“I have offers from Georgia, South Florida, North Carolina and Vanderbilt,” Sanders said. “Coach Richt gave me the Georgia offer last year. He told me that he wanted to offer me a scholarship and told me to keep working and to get better.”
More offers are likely on the way as Sanders took Richt’s advice to heart. The tall wideout says he has improved his route-running and has caught four touchdowns so far this year.
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2014 WR Kendrick Holland is one to watch
September, 24, 2012
9/24/12
2:18
PM ET
By
Corey Long | ESPN.com
Class of 2014 wide receiver Kendrick Holland (Winter Haven, Fla./Winter Haven) did most of his damage as a blocker for ESPN 300 teammate Adam Lane in Winter Haven's 27-21 victory over Kathleen last Thursday. But the 6-foot-3, 172-pound junior has already garnered plenty of attention for his pass-catching abilities.
Holland received an offer from Clemson when he attended a camp there over the summer and is waiting for his next one as new schools roll in daily.
"Right now I'm hearing from a bunch of programs," Holland said. "Florida State, Miami, LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Georgia... a lot more schools than that. They are all coming in, grabbing film and we'll see what happens."
Holland received an offer from Clemson when he attended a camp there over the summer and is waiting for his next one as new schools roll in daily.
"Right now I'm hearing from a bunch of programs," Holland said. "Florida State, Miami, LSU, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Georgia... a lot more schools than that. They are all coming in, grabbing film and we'll see what happens."
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
David Ching
David Ching came to ESPN.com in 2011 after six years covering UGA for the Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer and Athens (Ga.) Banner-Herald. He lives in Athens. Email him at davidchingespn@gmail.com.
Radi Nabulsi
Radi Nabulsi joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering the University of Georgia for Rivals.com for four years and for the UGA Athletic Association since 1993. Nabulsi is a graduate of the University of Georgia's Grady College of Journalism and lives in Athens. He can be reached at radinabulsiespn@gmail.com.
Kipp Adams
Kipp Adams joined ESPN.com in 2011 after covering University of Georgia football and basketball recruiting for five years at Rivals.com. He lives in Sandy Springs, Ga., and enjoys spending time with his two sons. He can be reached at kippadamsespn@gmail.com.